Popular Lockerbie curler Matt Murdoch has died less than two weeks after watching his son David win a silver medal at the Winter Olympics.

The 70-year-old was rushed to Dumfries Infirmary after a heart attack on Wednesday night but medics were unable to save him.

Family and friends have been devastated by the sudden death of “one of the great men of the game”.

Matt, who was in Sochi in Russia with his wife Marion to watch their son’s Olympic medal triumph, had been due to play in a masters tournament at Greenacres near Paisley yesterday.

Close friend Bobby Rae, who was in his team for the contest, said: “I just can’t take it in. We played together for 42 years.

“It certainly came as a huge shock to me. I was with him two days last week at a tournament and we had a great time.

“We shared a room together and he seemed fine as far as I could tell. He called me on Wednesday in fact to make arrangements (for Greenacres).

“He will be a big miss to me and many, many others. I just can’t believe it’s happened.”

Matt was a past president of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, the game’s ruling body, and also served as a director of Lockerbie ice rink.

His brother-in-law David Hyslop described the father-of three as a “cherished” family man who was widely respected in the sport known as the Roarin’ Game.

Mr Hyslop said: “He was definitely a great in curling circles. He also lived to see his boy complete his dream of an Olympic medal which was very important to him. He pushed them all to achieve as much as they could.”

A spokesman for the RCCC said: “The Royal Caledonian Curling Club is saddened to hear of the passing of past president Matt Murdoch.

“Matt was a long-standing member of the RCCC and president in 2008/09. The thoughts of the entire curling community are with Matt’s wife, children, family and friends.

“He was a very special person in the curling family who made friends around the world and we will all miss him.”

The spokesman added: “Matt has left a huge legacy for curling and his contribution to the sport is quite remarkable.

“He will be remembered as one of the great men in the game and we are proud to have known him.”

Alistair Stevenson, a director at Lockerbie ice rink, said: “This has come as a total shock.

“We have sent messages of condolence to the family and our thoughts are with them at this time.”

He added: “Matt was a talented sportsman and seemed to succeed in everything he did in sport. At the age of 70 he was still playing cricket and scoring runs.”

His death came on the day plans were announced for a homecoming celebration to mark the Olympic achievements of son David and his fellow Lockerbie curlers Anna Sloan and Claire Hamilton.

The event is scheduled to take place at the ice rink on Sunday, March 16.

Townspeople were invited to attend and cheer the Team GB players in recognition of their silver and bronze medal-winning efforts, but it is not known if the event will still go ahead.

Mr Stevenson said: “We have not made any decision on that at the moment. We will announce it as soon as possible.”

Matt, who was a grandfather, is survived by his wife Marion and children Nancy, Neil and David.